Warlike, fire-breathing humanoids native to volcanic regions, firenewts are feared for their cruelty. These creatures, possibly descendants of lizardfolk who mated with salamanders, delight in crushing their enemies and feasting on their flesh. Firenewts are almost always found fighting astride huge featherless birds called giant striders.
Standing just under human height, firenewts appear as humanoid lizards or amphibians with smooth scaleless red skin and short spikes running down their backs. A firenewt has a wide-eyed, emotionless face resembling an eel’s; its teeth are sharp but too small to inflict bite attacks. They wear no clothing besides their armor, and favor heavy swords. Firenewts’ bodies are hot to the touch, and they can breath short bursts of fire.
Each firenewt tribe is a martial theocracy ruled by the strongest warrior, supported by a corps of elite troops and and a cruel priesthood. Most firenewt tribes fanatically worship Ymeri, the elemental lord of fire, and are centered around a temple complex featuring a golden idol in her image. The vilest tribes worship archfiends associated with fire or warfare, such as Moloch, Flauros, or Szuriel. Firenewts are cannibals, eating not just other races but even members of enemy firenewt tribes. It is considered the height of glory to destroy a rival tribe’s egg chamber, denying them their future.
Though they fight in organized ranks, firenewts are prone to infighting, and surreptitiously sabotage their opponents at every turn. A firenewt warrior may deny one of her rivals aid in combat, allowing them to be overwhelmed and killed, while a jealous priest may see to it that his enemies’ eggs conveniently fail to hatch.
Firenewts are found in the volcanic regions of Dwas’kin, where they serve as the foot soldiers of fire giant armies. Their infighting limits their numbers and strategic potential, but the t’nalli keep a watchful eye on the mountains just in case.
Shores of Swords 